They Died With Their Boots On

No one doubts that THEY DIED WITH THEIR BOOTS ON with Errol Flynn is a terrific film. It is the last movie that Flynn shares with Olivia de Havilland, and their chemistry shared over a long film marriage is touching and palpable. Flynns interpretation was to play Custer as a western version of his own hell-raising self, and he dominates each scene in which he appears. He is alternately heroic, funny, sarcastic, haughty, and sacriligious. His co-stars very capably allow Flynn to bounce off them. Against Crazy Horse (Anthony Quinn), Flynn is solemn and candid. Against General Winfield Scott (Sidney Greenstreet), he is properly subservient. Against his Indian hating subordinate officer played by Arthur Kennedy, he is full of righteous fury. The climactic battle at the Little Big Horn is a paean to self-sacrifice and honor. The film does not go wrong internally. Its fault, if one can call it that, is that it bears no relation to historical truth. Every major incident in the film from Custers days in West Point, to his conduct under battle, to his relationship to his wife, and to his role in the annihilation of him and his troopers at the Little Big Horn are either grossly exaggerated or outrageous lies. Especially disturbing is the movies suggestion that Custer sacrificed the lives of the men under his command as a means of political expedience. The literal truth was Custer and all his 7th Cavalry were slaughtered only because of his obstinancy in not believing the reports of his Indian guides.

Great Fantasy movie that reflects the times it was created in. Not accurate from the stand point of Custers true life or the reality of the last stand. Custer was a real hero of the north in the Civil War but once he went out west it was a much different story. So this is a movie in the tradition of cowboys vs Indians

My husband is an Errol Flynn fan and he loves old movies! He enjoyed this one, only wish the picture was clearer!

It came faster than I expected, and they are great. I cant say much more about this one except I love it.

Una muy buena película q cuenta la historia de Custer, desde sus batallas en la guerra civil de EEUU hasta las guerras con las tribus indias, lideradas por caballo loco. Esta subtitulada al español, pelicula en B/N.

Bought this for my dad he is 95 and this is his favorite movie with Errol Flynn.

TDWTBO is a terrific movie and always a must-see whenever it appears on cable. Errol Flynn is at his best in the role of General Custer and Olivia de Havilland is perfectly cast as his devoted wife, Libbie. Much is made of the films many historical inaccuracies, as if its unique in that regard. This film is no different than Oliver Stones JFK or Shelton Spike Lees Malcolm X. But those two blowhards regard their films as historically accurate -- which is laughable. Enjoy TDWTBO, for what it is: a rousing, swashbuckling adventure movie with heartwarming love-story as a subplot. So just relax and enjoy what was one of the top grossing movies of 1942, folks. Its a great MOVIE.

Even though this film is over 70 years old it still doesnt fail to move. Rousing action, a moving score and a tender love story played out by Flynn and DeHavilland, it is a total delight.

Bought for my husband.

Excellent movie, Errol Flynn is great as General Custer, and with a romantic touch. I recommend it.